Memorial to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, circa 24–26 March 1844, Willard Richards Draft
Source Note
JS, Memorial, , Hancock Co., IL, to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, [], ca. 24–26 Mar. 1844. Version drafted [ca. 24–26 Mar. 1844]; handwriting of ; docket and notation in handwriting of ; seven pages; JS Collection, CHL.
To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Representatives of the , in Congress assembled.
Your Memorialist, a free born citizen of these , respectfully sheweth, that, from his infancy his soul has been filled with the most intense and philanthropic interest for the welfare of his native ; and being fired with an ardor, which floods cannot quench, crowns cannot conquer, nor diplomatic intrigue corrupt, to see those principles, which emanated from the bosoms of the fathers of seventy six, and which cost the noblest talents and richest blood of the , maintaince <maintained> inviolate, and perpetuated to future generations; and the proud eagle of American freedom soar triumphant over every party predjudice, and local sinistry; and spread her golden pinions over every member of the human family, who shall stretch forth their hands for succor from the Lion’s paw, or the oppressor’s grasp: and firmly trusting in the God of Liberty, that he has designed Universal peace and good will, union and brotherly love to all the great family of man, Your memorialist asks your honorable body to pass the following ordinance.
An Ordinance for the protection of the Citizens of the emigrating to the adjoining territories, and for the extension of the principles of universal Liberty, [p. 1]